More Proton S50 Details & Images Leaked: 1.5L Turbo Engine, 7DCT, 12″ Digital Meter

As we approach closer to the (likely) November debut of the highly anticipated
Proton S50
, 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).

At least, that’s what
The Ajerul
‘s source is saying. Several close-up shots of the S50’s front end were also shared in the Facebook post, and it looks to be in the Marine Blue colourway. It’s worth noting that this paint job first made its debut on the
Proton X90
.

Beyond the aforementioned 7DCT and 1.5L TGDi engine – the latter should have similar outputs (177PS and 255Nm of torque) as the mill found in other Proton X series models – the S50 is said to have a 12-inch full LCD meter as well. Chances are, Proton is retaining the Emgrand’s 12.3-inch digital meter for the S50.

Of course, until confirmed by Proton itself, take these leaked details of the Proton S50 with a grain of salt, though the
unavailability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
 is confirmed already. We should learn more about the S50 as we approach closer to the November 2023 launch of the sedan.


Lotus Eletre EV & Lotus Emira Prices Revised in Malaysia – Up to RM83k Price Hike

Lotus Cars Malaysia is revising the prices for two of its models on our shores. Both the
Lotus Eletre
 EV and the Lotus Emira sports car see a price hike in Malaysia, which is attributed to “developments of the ringgit against all major foreign currencies in recent months.”

Let’s 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’t be available “until at least 2025,” as Lotus puts it.

Lotus Eletre
Old Price
New Price
Price Difference
Eletre S
RM648,000
RM698,000
+RM50,000
Eletre R
RM798,000
RM838,000
+RM40,000

Lotus Emira
Old Price
New Price
Price Difference
Emira V6 (manual)
RM1,205,800
(RM478,800 duty-free)
RM1,289,000
(RM529,000 duty-free)
+RM83,200
(+RM50,200)
Emira V6 (automatic)
RM1,225,800
(RM493,800 duty-free)
RM1,309,000
(RM539,000 duty-free)
+RM83,200
(+RM45,200)

As for the Emira, the two-seat sports car sees an even bigger price hike, given that it’s 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.

For 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 – that is a RM45,200 price increase.

As for the Emira i4 with a 2.0L inline-four engine, it sees no price difference; it’s still going for RM1,095,000 or RM509,000 duty-free for Langkawi. It’s 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.


Honda WR-V – 7.3k Bookings Received in Malaysia, 2 Months Waiting Time

Launched just a couple of months ago, the
Honda WR-V
 looks to be quite well-received in Malaysia. As of 6 September, almost 7,300 bookings have been recorded; that’s almost triple the
2,500 bookings the small SUV got at launch
.

This was revealed by Honda Malaysia itself as per
Paultan.org’s report
. 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.

Speaking 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’t mind paying more for the higher-end models.

To 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 – this is the most popular colour option – Crystal Black Pearl, and the new Stellar Diamond Pearl.

The Honda WR-V is now available for booking at all 101 authorised Honda dealerships nationwide. Alternatively, pre-booking can be done online
here
, or through the HondaTouch app – it can be downloaded from the
Apple App Store
 and
Google Play Store
.

More details on the WR-V can be found
here
.


Asus Zenbook Pro 14 OLED Now in Malaysia – Core i9-13900H, 120Hz OLED, RM10,999

Asus 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’s 13th gen processor, it’s certainly a high-end, capable laptop.

For 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’re getting a Core i9-13900H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU.

One 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 “long-lasting” 76Wh battery.

The 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’s
very own online store
 then.


CelcomDigi & Yinson Signs MoU to Develop EV Services & Infrastructure in Malaysia

CelcomDigi 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’s 4G and 5G network for its range of services.

Yinson has several brands under its belt, including ChargEV – which is said to be Malaysia’s largest charge point operator – as well as rydeEV and drivEV. Through this collaboration, Yinson and CelcomDigi will also work together to explore “new, innovative solutions that will allow consumers to stay connected” while having easier access to EVs, charging stations, and solar infrastructure integration.

“This is a significant milestone in our long-standing partnership with Yinson – 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,” said the CEO of CelcomDigi, Datuk Idham Nawawi.

“Connectivity 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’s largest mobile network operator CelcomDigi, further supported by progressive policies by the Malaysian government,” added Yinson’s Group CEO, Lim Chern Yuan.


Boma X9 Is a RM16.4k Small EV With up to 140km Range – Now at EVM Asia 2023 in Malaysia

While we were going around EVM Asia 2023’s 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.

The 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’s no doubt the X9 is an affordable car.

That being said, we don’t actually have a complete specification of the X9, such as its total power output and safety features. It’s also worth noting that the quoted 100km to 140km range is only achievable if the EV is going at only…45kmph. Oh, it also has a top speed of “45/60kmph” on full load – we’re not quite sure how to make sense of the different figures for the max speed.

While 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’re keen to check out the X9, you can do so at EVM Asia in MITEC, Kuala Lumpur until 21 September.


2023 Toyota Yaris Updated for Malaysia – Larger Infotainment Screen, Up to RM4.7k Price Hike

UMW 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.

Two 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.

For 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.

Beyond 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.

Toyota 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’s a risk of frontal collision, while LDA alerts the driver when the car is getting out of lane.

The 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 – Red Mica Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Silver Metallic – though the former two options are available with a blacked-out roof too.


Apple Pay Now Supports Wise Card in Malaysia

Wise card can now be added to Apple Pay in Malaysia! Wise has updated its
Apple Pay support page
 reflecting this, and to verify it for ourselves, we successfully added our own Wise Card to the convenient payment service.

The 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’s no card subscription fee either, though you do have to pay RM13.70 to get the Wise card itself.

To 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’ve set up Apple Pay on, say, your iPhone, you can use your phone to make payments at retailers that support the service.

If you’ve 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’re not sure how to do that, here’s our guide on how to
activate Apple Pay on an iPhone
.


Smart #1 Prices in Malaysia Revealed – 3 Variants From RM200k to RM250k

Bookings 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’s the base Pro, the mid-tier Premium, and the range-topping Brabus model.

While 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.

The Smart #1 in Premium guise

Both 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).

As for the more powerful Smart #1 Brabus, it comes with another electric motor at the front – making it all-wheel drive – 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.

The Brabus variant also has the same 66kWh battery as the Premium model, but given that it’s a higher-powered model, it has a lower range of up to 400km (WLTP).

Bookings for the Smart #1 can be made through the Hello Smart app, which is available for download on the
Apple App Store
,
Google Play Store
, and
Huawei AppGallery
. A RM1,000 fee is required to book the electric SUV, and it is refundable.


Kingston XS1000 External SSD Now in Malaysia – 1TB & 2TB Capacities From RM280

If you’re in the market for a new external SSD, consider the new Kingston XS1000. Not only is it very compact and lightweight – it tips the scales at only 29g – the XS1000 is also quite affordable here in Malaysia.

Two capacities of the XS1000 are offered. There’s the base 1TB variant
for RM279.99
, while the 2TB option
is priced a
t
 RM489.99
. We got these prices from Shopee Preferred store
HPSS.OS
, and its listings are some of the most affordable we managed to find.

The 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.

The 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
to a lucky draw
. Some of the prizes offered include a Dyson air purifier and a GoPro Hero 11.


Vivo V29 Now in Malaysia – Snapdragon 778G, Dual Curved AMOLED Screen, From RM1,899

Vivo 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.

Two 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’s offered in two colours: Starry Purple (the model you see here) and Noble Black.

Aside 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.

The 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.


Wise Card Also Supports Google Wallet in Malaysia Now

Aside from Apple Pay
, 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.

The 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’s no card subscription fee either, though you do have to pay RM13.70 to get the Wise card itself.

Anyway, once you’ve 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 – or in this case, Google Pay – should be supported.

To start using Google Wallet on your Android phone, you can download the app – if it’s not installed on your phone already – from the
Google Play Store
. Other cards that support Google Wallet in Malaysia now are
selected cards
 issued by Public Bank, HSBC, Hong Leong Bank, and CIMB.


Smart Vehicles Could Be Assembled in Malaysia at Proton Tanjung Malim

Proton and Smart have recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to explore the possibility of assembling Smart vehicles here in Malaysia at Proton’s Tanjung Malim plant in Perak. The two companies will study the feasibility of such a project in the near future.

The prospect of locally assembled Smart vehicles is certainly exciting, as it could bring down prices of cars from the brand. It’s 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.

Speaking 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’s the Pro, Premium, and range-topping Brabus trim, which will retail between RM200,000 to RM250,000 on our shores.

Bookings for the Smart #1 can be made through the Hello Smart app in Malaysia now, which is available for download on the
Apple App Store
,
Google Play Store
, and
Huawei AppGallery
. A RM1,000 fee is required to book the electric SUV, and it is refundable.


21 – 27 September Fuel Price: RON 97 up 10 Sen – Now RM3.47 Per Litre

Another week, another fuel price update. This time around, there’s actually price movement for RON 97: it’s 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.

At 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.

These 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.


Hisense PX2-Pro DLP Projector Coming to Malaysia October 2023 for About RM20k

Hisense 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.

According 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’s introduced here.

With 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.

The 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 – we’ll be sure to keep an eye out for any possible launch promotion for the DLP projector on our shores.


Cheaper Asus ROG Ally With AMD Ryzen Z1 Coming to Malaysia Soon for RM2,799

The
Asus ROG Ally
 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.

For 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.

Beyond 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’s product has a lower resolution 60Hz panel, though it has a taller 16:10 aspect ratio.

Aside 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.

No 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’ll be sure to keep a close eye for the telco that will be offering the handheld gaming PC exclusively.

Want to learn more about the ROG Ally? Then check out our full review
here
.


Yes, Shopee Is Down Right Now (Update: Back Up!)

Update 21 September, 4:10PM:
 Shopee 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
.

The original article follows.

It appears
Shopee
 is not accessible right now. We’re having difficulty accessing the platform, and a
quick check on its Facebook page
 confirms the outage. Shopee itself said that it is currently addressing the issue, though it did not specify the cause of the disruption.

The outage applies to both the Shopee app and its website. While the initial homepage does load up on a web browser, we can’t navigate to other pages on the platform. We’ll be sure to keep a close eye on the status of the ecommerce service.


Spy Shot: 2023 Honda CR-V Spotted in Putrajaya – Malaysian Launch Soon?

It looks like we’re 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.

These images of the new CR-V were taken by the folks over at
Paultan.org
. 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’s offerings here are mostly CKD models, it is likely that this is a locally assembled unit.

Honda Malaysia previously revealed that it will be
launching three new models locally
 and one facelift update in 2023. Now that the
WR-V
 and
City facelift
 have made their respective debuts here, the sixth generation Honda CR-V should be launched in Malaysia very, very soon.

Of course, the kit and specifications of the 2023 CR-V for the Malaysian market still remain to be seen, though we reckon it won’t 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.


Video: Wind Studio Sin65 Review – Unique Design at a Price

Here’s our review of the Wind Studio Sin65! While the value proposition of the 65% custom keyboard isn’t quite as compelling as other recent releases, the unique design of the Sin65 and mounting versatility could just be worth the premium.

What 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.

The Wind Studio Sin65’s groupbuy is now live until 19 October 2023. You can join the groupbuy from
Rebult Keyboards
 if you’re in Malaysia, or
directly from Wind Studio
 if you’re in other markets. Watch our review above to learn more about the Sin65!


iPhone 15 Malaysian Pre-Orders Live – Deliveries Now From October 2023

The iPhone 15 lineup
can now be pre-ordered

in Malaysia
! While Apple’s latest smartphones are set to be available locally next week on 29 September, it seems deliveries have been pushed back to October – some configurations are even shipping in the middle of next month.

Chances 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’s own online store as well, such as
Shopee
 and
Lazada
.

To 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.

You can pre-order the iPhone 15 series in Malaysia now from
Apple’s
online store
. As mentioned, other platforms are also taking pre-orders of the latest iPhones, including
Shopee
 and
Lazada
. Depending on which configuration of the iPhone 15 you choose, you can get earlier delivery dates.


Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 Official – 13th Gen Core i7, Up to RTX 4060, Coming to Malaysia

Last month, we
spotted the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 in SIRIM’s database
. 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.

The 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 – there’s also an RTX 2000 Ada Generation option for commercial use – it should be able to offer a higher level of performance compared to the
previous model
.

Other 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.

The 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
Microsoft Malaysia’s website
 doesn’t have a product page for the new laptop yet, we reckon it will be available here soon, given that it has
already been certified by SIRIM
.


Surface Laptop Go 3 With 15 Hours Battery Life Coming to Malaysia Soon

Microsoft introduced a slew of new products today, including the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3. While there’s 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.

We know this as
Microsoft Malaysia’s website itself
 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.

For the sake of context, the new laptop starts at $799 in the US, which comes up to about RM3,745.

Under 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.

The 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’ll be sure to keep an eye on the local availability and pricing of the Surface Laptop Go 3.


Vivo V29 Review: Sleek RM1,899 Phone Lost in Messy Software

At a glance, the Vivo V29 is certainly a sleek-looking phone, thanks to the “3D Starry Craft” 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.

If it’s not for the unrefined nature of the V29’s software experience, I would happily recommend it to anyone looking to get a handsome mid-range phone. While I wouldn’t say Funtouch OS is… well, unusable, it is definitely one of the V29’s biggest shortcomings.

What It Is

Display
6.78-inch AMOLED (2800 x 1260), 120Hz
Chipset
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 2.4GHz octa-core
GPU
Adreno 642L
RAM
12GB
Storage
256/512GB, non-expandable
Camera (rear)
50MP f/1.88, OIS
8MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide)
2MP f/2.4 monochrome
Camera (front)
50MP f/2.0
Battery
4,600mAh with 80W fast charging
Dimensions
164.18 x 74.37 x 7.46 mm
Weight
186g
OS
Funtouch OS 13 based on Android 13
Connectivity
5G
LTE
NFC
Bluetooth 5.2
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
USB Type-C
Price
RM1,899 (256GB), RM2,099 (512GB)

Two 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’s not the worst either. I’ll get back to this further down the review.

Despite packing “only” 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.

The Good Stuff

One 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 “Aura Light,” and it’s actually quite intriguing.

The colour temperature of the Aura Light can be adjusted

Without Aura Light

Aura Light activated

Not only can the V29’s 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’s not just an overglorified flash; it is
genuinely
 useful to capture better-looking shots.

As 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’t have the best detail preservation, especially in low light conditions; and the 2x digital zoom performance isn’t particularly great either.

But overall, I still find the camera performance of the V29 within expectations. Judge for yourself with these sample shots:

50MP primary

50MP primary

8MP ultra-wide

50MP primary

8MP ultra-wide

50MP primary

50MP primary (2x digital zoom)

8MP ultra-wide

50MP primary

8MP ultra-wide

50MP primary

50MP primary (2x digital zoom)

50MP primary

Next, let’s talk about the performance level of the V29, which is…not 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 – and I can’t quite max out
Honkai: Star Rail
 at 60fps with the phone – but it’s still not too shabby overall.

In the screen department, the V29’s 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.

Battery life of the V29 is also very respectable, much to my surprise. To be honest, I wasn’t 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.

Last but not least is the solid build quality of the V29. While the dual curved display is not the most ergonomically-friendly design – it makes the sides of the phone too thin to hold comfortably – I do think it gives the phone a premium touch. It’s worth noting that the V29 has a plastic frame too, which doesn’t feel cheap at all.

The Bad Stuff

My absolute biggest qualm with the V29 is its unrefined software experience. Don’t 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
from Vivo’s own apps
 are very off-putting.

Why would the browser app send notifications?

On 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.

Beyond its software experience, there’s 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
OnePlus Nord 3
, among many other options in the market now.

Is It Worth It?

While I’m not a big fan of the Vivo V29’s 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.

If you like the looks of the V29, its Aura Light system,
and
 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.


Honkai: Star Rail TGS 2023 Trailer Shows Off Jingliu & Topaz – Playable in Version 1.4?

Hoyoverse just showed off a new trailer of
Honkai: Star Rail
 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.

In fact, the two characters
have actually been teased by Hoyoverse before
. It’s confirmed that both Jingliu and Topaz & Numby – yes, she is accompanied by a Warp Trotter – 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.

From left: Jingliu and Topaz

Looking at their Paths, Jingliu and Topaz & Numby are likely DPS characters, and it’s 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.

A 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 – alongside Guinaifen, a 4-star unit – at the upcoming livestream.


Zenless Zone Zero Console Release Confirmed, But There’s Still No Launch Date

Hoyoverse recently revealed that its upcoming game, Zenless Zone Zero, will be coming to consoles – yes, in plural – 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.

After all, two of Hoyoverse’s games are available on the PS5. There’s
Genshin Impact
, as well as
Honkai: Star Rail
 come
11 October next month
. Unfortunately, it remains to be seen exactly when Zenless Zone Zero will be released – there’s still no release timeline for the game.

Nonetheless, 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.

You can get a feel for Zenless Zone Zero’s gameplay mechanics and world exploration from its Gamescom 2023 trailer below. We’ll be sure to keep a close eye on the release date of the game, not to mention which consoles will be getting Hoyoverse’s upcoming title.


TCL 40 NXTPAPER Series Arrives in Malaysia October 2023 – Features “Paper-Like” Display

TCL 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 “paper-like” matte texture.

Curiously, 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.

As 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.

The TCL 40 NXTPAPER series will be coming to Malaysia sometime next month in October 2023. We’ll find out then the asking price and exact availability of the two phones on our shores.


This Is (Likely) the Malaysia Apple Store at The Exchange TRX – Opening February 2024

It’s 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
will be located at The Exchange TRX
. Thanks to a walkaround video, we got a closer look (and possibly even confirmation) of the exact Apple Store.

First spotted by
Amanz
, 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 “certain fruit brand’s operated store.”

In our opinion, the caption is
very likely
 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.

It’s 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
Switch
 and Machines on our shores. It’s 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.


BYD Dolphin EV – 500,000th Unit Produced, Top-Selling A0 Hatchback in China for 19 Months

BYD just announced that the 500,000 unit of the
BYD Dolphin
 EV rolled off the production line on 22 September a few days ago. According to the Chinese carmaker, the Dolphin is China’s best-selling hatchback in the A0-segment – a size classification used in the country – for 19 consecutive months now.

Launched 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 “real” pricing of the Dynamic and Premium models are RM100,530 and RM125,530 respectively.

For 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.

Performance 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).

As 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.

The 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’s list of dealers on its
official website
.


DJI Mini 4 Pro Now in Malaysia From RM3,399 – Still Weighs 249g

DJI just unveiled the successor to the
Mini 3 Pro
, the aptly named DJI Mini 4 Pro. While the new mini drone retains many of its predecessor’s features – including its lightweight 249g chassis – it does have some new tricks up its sleeves, including omni-directional obstacle sensing.

For 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.

If you want the most complete bundle, there’s 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.

Aside 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.

The 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.


Genshin Impact Teases Furina & Charlotte – Playable in Version 4.2?

Genshin Impact
 4.1 is arriving
this coming Wednesday on 27 September
, 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.

Chances 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’s no reason the same wouldn’t apply to Furina and Charlotte.

From left: Charlotte and Furina

Unfortunately, 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.

We 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’s and Wriothesley’s banners will also be available once the update is live.


Google Supports TAR UMT’s Project G Sustainability Initiative

Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) recently launched Project G. It is the university’s sustainability initiative aimed at Gen Z, and it is even supported by Google itself.

The objective of Project G is to “empower and engage Gen Z in fostering sustainable change and promoting mental wellness through green practices,” 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.

A mascot (of sorts), named Chapu, was also created for Project G. Chapu will be featured in a series of mixed reality postings on
TAR UMT’s Instagram page
 dubbed
Project G Diaries
, a key component of the sustainability initiative. The character will go on a “journey” across the university campus to promote sustainability efforts.

“We 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’ 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,” said Cindy Poh Huay Yuet, a programme leader and lecturer at TAR UMT.

Google’s APAC Real Estate and Workplace Services (REWS) Sustainability Partner, Richard Navarro, also chimed in on Project G. “It’s great to have been a part of this program and witness TAR UMT students drive Project G to further positive change among Gen Zs.”

“In REWS, we share the same vision to take bold actions to address the carbon impact associated with our buildings and operations,” he added. More details on TAR UMT’s Project G can be found on the university’s
Instagram page
.


Xiaomi 13T & Xiaomi 13T Pro Unleashed in Malaysia – Leica Triple Camera, From RM1,799

Xiaomi 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.

First, 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).

While both the 13T and 13T Pro share quite a number of hardware – including the Leica camera system – 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’s 67W fast charging.

Beyond 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.

The 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.


Tesla Destination Charger Spotted at Sunway Putra Mall, KL

A new Tesla charging station has been spotted in Malaysia! No, it is
not a Supercharger
, but it is a Tesla Destination Charger. Basically, it uses a lower-powered AC charger instead of a Supercharger’s faster DC charging technology.

The image below was first shared by
MyEVOC
 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.

Image source:
MyEVOC
 (X)

While a Tesla Destination Charger isn’t as fast as a Supercharger, it does have a number of benefits. For one, you won’t have to worry about being charged
idle fees
; 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.

Tesla 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.


Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Arrives in Malaysia for RM199 – Early Birds Get RM40 Discount

We first spotted the
Xiaomi Smart Band 8 in SIRIM’s database
 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.

For 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’s quite a noteworthy RM40 discount.

Compared 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’s also said to deliver slightly better battery life of up to 16 days (14 days for the
Smart Band 7
), while still retaining the 1.62-inch 490 x 192 AMOLED display and the ability to track up to 150 different sports.

To 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.


Realme C51 With “Mini Capsule” Notch Now in Malaysia for RM549 – Early Birds Get RM20 Off

There’s a new affordable phone from Realme for the Malaysian market. The Realme C51, beyond its budget-friendly price tag, also has a rather intriguing “Mini Capsule” notch that looks to mimic Apple’s Dynamic Island.

Here 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 – that’s a RM20 discount.

The 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 – which will expand when activated – can show the phone’s battery status, data usage, and steps count.

Other 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.

The Realme C51 can now be purchased in Malaysia at its RM529 promotional price until 8 October. The budget-friendly phone is available on
Shopee
,
Lazada
,
TikTok
, as well as Realme brand stores nationwide.


Smart #1 Test Drive Happening in Balakong & Ipoh This Weekend (30 Sept – 1 Oct 2023)

If you want to test drive the Smart #1 EV ahead of its Q4 launch, you can do so this weekend at two locations.
Smart Balakong
 and
Smart Ipoh
 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.

However, it wasn’t 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’s the base Pro, the mid-tier Premium, and the aforementioned Brabus version.

While 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.

Both 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).

As for the more powerful Smart #1 Brabus, it comes with another electric motor at the front – making it all-wheel drive – 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.

The Brabus variant also has the same 66kWh battery as the Premium model, but given that it’s a higher-powered model, it has a lower range of up to 400km (WLTP).

Bookings for the Smart #1 can now be made through the Hello Smart app, which is available for download on the
Apple App Store
,
Google Play Store
, and
Huawei AppGallery
. A RM1,000 fee is required to book the electric SUV, and it is refundable.


2023 Honda Civic Type R FL5 Launched in Malaysia – 19 Units, Sold via Ballot for RM400k

Everyone 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.

On 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.

As for pricing, the hot hatch goes for a cool RM399,900; on-the-road without insurance.

With the FL5 Civic Type R’s 2.0L turbo engine that does 319PS and 420Nm of torque – paired to a six-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels – 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.

Besides 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.

“The Civic Type R embodies Honda’s 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,” said the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Hironobu Yoshimura.

“A 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,” he added.

To 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!


28 September – 4 October Fuel Price: RON 97 Stays at RM3.47 Per Litre

Another week, another fuel price update. After last week’s 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.

To 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.

These 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.


Resident Evil 4 for iPhone, Mac, iPad Listed at RM244.90 in Malaysia

Back at the launch of the
iPhone 15 series
 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
Apple App Store
, and it is priced at a cool RM244.90.

This 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.

While 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’s 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.

You can
pre-order Resident Evil 4 on the Apple App Store
 now. Though the game costs RM244.90, you don’t 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’s latest A17 Pro chip will support the game. As for Mac and iPad, only M1-powered devices (or later) can run it.


CelcomDigi Fibre Offering Asus ROG Ally (Z1) From RM4/Day

We now know which telco is exclusively offering the AMD Ryzen Z1 version of the
Asus ROG Ally
 in Malaysia. CelcomDigi, through its fibre service, has added the portable gaming PC to its list of device add-ons – the Ally will (effectively) cost only RM4 a day with the fibre internet package.

Of 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’re essentially paying RM4 a day for the portable gaming PC.

Retailing 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’s product has a lower resolution 60Hz panel, though it has a taller 16:10 aspect ratio.

Aside 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.

If you’re keen to get the Asus ROG Ally with a CelcomDigi Fibre plan, you can sign up online on
CelcomDigi’s website
. Check out our
full review of the handheld gaming PC
 if you’d like to learn more about the Ally.


iPhone 15 Deliveries in Malaysia Begin Today – Waiting List Now Extends to November 2023

The
iPhone 15 series
 is officially available in Malaysia today! If you’ve 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.

A quick check on
Apple’s Malaysian online store
 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 – this is the same shipping estimate for all configurations of the iPhone 15 Pro.

As 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
Shopee
 and
Lazada
 seem to have ready stocks of the two models too, though it depends on specific colours and storage capacities.

To 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.


Acer Predator BiFrost GPUs Coming to Malaysia – Radeon RX 7600 & Intel Arc A750 From RM1,299

Yes, 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’s entry to the graphics card market in Malaysia.

Pricing wise, the Predator BiFrost Arc A750 OC is slightly more affordable with a RM1,299 price tag. As for Acer’s RX 7600, it retails at RM1,499. According to Acer, both graphics cards will be available for purchase in Malaysia sometime next week.

Based 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.

We 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.


Acer Launches Predator CG48 & X27U OLED Gaming Monitors in Malaysia – Starts at RM3,999

Aside from the
Predator BiFrost graphics cards
, 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.

Let’s 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’s 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.

During 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 – those are RM1,500 and RM1,000 worth of discounts respectively.

The 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.

As 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.

The 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.


iPhone 15 Pro Hands-on: I Am Titanium (With USB-C)

Apologies for the
David Guetta reference
, 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.

The other big feature of the iPhone 15 Pro is the switch to USB-C, making it much easier for, say, Android users – who I imagine have a ton of USB-C cables lying around – 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.

Naturally, 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
braided
 cable. Compared to the previous Lightning cable without any braiding, the new USB-C cable does feel more substantial and durable.

Speaking 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
iPhone 14 Pro
.

While that doesn’t sound like a huge difference, the 15 Pro does feel noticeably lighter.

The iPhone 15 Pro (left) and iPhone 14 Pro

And 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.

Chances are, I will leave the Action button to be a mute switch, though it’s 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.

Performance wise, the iPhone 15 Pro is powered by the latest Apple A17 Pro chip. Compared to last year’s 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.

However, I didn’t put the performance of the iPhone 15 Pro through its paces just yet; I will leave that for the full review. For what it’s worth, I am excited to start gaming on the new iPhone. The fact that I can play full-fledged, console-level games like
Death Stranding
 and the new Resident Evil 4 on a smartphone is a very exciting prospect for me personally.

Display 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 – offering adaptive 120Hz refresh rate – still offers vibrant colours with deep blacks and wide viewing angles. It’s also worth noting that the 15 Pro’s screen bezels are thinner than last year’s 14 Pro, giving it a sleeker all-screen design.

Finally, there’s 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…a slight improvement to the image quality.

At least, that’s what I can tell in my brief time photographing with the more – I’ll be sure to test the iPhone 15 Pro’s camera performance more thoroughly in the full review. In the meantime, here are some sample images:

Now, let’s 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.

It 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 – especially the new titanium frame – 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.

Yes, the iPhone 15 Pro isn’t remarkably different than last year’s 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’m just excited to start gaming on the 15 Pro.

The A17 Pro chip is really something else, though I am cautious of the supposed overheating issues plaguing the new iPhone.


Huawei Watch GT 4 Coming to Malaysia 5 October

Initially unveiled a couple of weeks ago, Huawei’s latest flagship smartwatch, the
Huawei Watch GT 4
, is set to arrive in Malaysia next week on 5 October. The Chinese company is putting quite a bit of emphasis on the “fashion-forward” design of the wearable, while also promising impressive battery life of up to 14 days on a single charge.

Two variants of the Watch GT 4 are offered. There’s 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 “strong, sturdy exterior” with an octagonal dial design.

As 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.

The Huawei Watch GT 4 is
now available for pre-order in Malaysia
 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″ PaperMatte Edition and the Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3.


Honkai: Star Rail 1.4 Drops 11 October With Jingliu, Seele, Topaz & Numby, Guinaifen

The Version 1.4 update of
Honkai: Star Rail
 looks to be jam-packed with content. Not only is the
PS5 version of the game
 releasing on the same day (11 October) three new playable characters will be added to the game as well, including Jingliu, Topaz & Numby – yes, they are technically one character – and Guinaifen.

It’s 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’s event warp will be offered first once the Version 1.4 update is live.

Jingliu

Topaz & Numby

Guinaifen

Players will be travelling back to Jarilo-VI for Star Rail’s 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’s the Aetherium Wars in-game event, where players need to build “Aether Spirits” to fight against other characters. Similar to…well, Pokemon.

Hoyoverse will also be running a
cafe collaboration globally for Star Rail
, 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
neat Star Rail merchandise and in-game items
.

Honkai: Star Rail 1.4, alongside the PS5 version, will be available on 11 October. To recap, Jingliu’s event wish will be available first once the update is live, followed by Topaz & Numby’s, Guinaifen’s, and Seele’s banners at a later date.


Tesla Centre Now Open in Cyberjaya – HQ, Delivery & Service Centre

As promised
, Tesla has opened its first-ever centre in Malaysia. Located in Cyberjaya, Selangor, the Tesla Centre will serve as the carmaker’s headquarters, delivery area, and service centre. There’s even a retail space to showcase the latest Tesla models.

In fact, all trims of the
Model Y
 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).

Aside from that, first units of the
Model 3 facelift
 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.

The first Tesla Centre in Malaysia is located at
Cyberview 23A, Persiaran APEC, Cyber 6, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor
. It’s worth noting that there are also eight Superchargers at the centre, though they are said to be only for internal use at the moment.


Test Drive the Smart #1 Brabus at IEMS 2023 on 5 October

Missed the
Smart #1 test drive over the weekend
? Well, you’ve got
another chance to give the upcoming electric SUV a spin
 on 5 October at the International Electric Mobility Showcase (IEMS) 2023. On top of that, it’s the higher-powered Brabus model too.

In fact, the Smart #1 Brabus
will be making its first debut in Malaysia
 at IEMS 2023 on 5 October. For the local market, three models of the Smart #1 will be offered here: there’s the base Pro model, the mid-tier Premium, and of course, the aforementioned Brabus version.

Both 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).

As for the more powerful Smart #1 Brabus, it comes with another electric motor at the front – making it all-wheel drive – 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.

The Brabus variant also has the same 66kWh battery as the Premium model, but given that it’s a higher-powered model, it has a lower range of up to 400km (WLTP).

The Smart #1 Premium

According 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
Apple App Store
,
Google Play Store
, and
Huawei AppGallery
. A RM1,000 refundable fee is required to book the electric SUV.


iPhone 15 Plus Hands-on: More Exciting Than It Seems

While most folks would gravitate toward the higher-end Pro iPhones – I am guilty of this – 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.

In 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’re looking at the design, display, performance, or camera capability – along with the transition to USB-C – the “default” iPhone has never been better.

iPhone 14 Plus (left) and the iPhone 15 Plus

At 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’t a groundbreaking feature, it does come in handy sometimes to track, say, a GrabFood delivery.

There are also more subtle changes to the design of the iPhone 15 Plus’ 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.

Of course, there’s also the new USB-C port. If you’ve got a lot of USB-C cables lying around, you won’t 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.

iPhone 14 Plus (top) and iPhone 15 Plus

The 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’s worth noting that this is the same brightness level as the Pro iPhones, which is nice.

Unfortunately, the refresh rate of the iPhone 15 Plus’ 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…is not exactly reflective of the price tag. You can easily find a more affordable phones with a faster panel in today’s market.

For what it’s 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 – to my eyes, anyway – and it can get very bright as well, thanks to the aforementioned 2,000 nits peak brightness.

In terms of performance, the iPhone 15 Plus is now powered by the A16 Bionic chip; the same one found in the
iPhone 14 Pro
 series last year. While I haven’t started gaming with the 15 Plus just yet, I’m 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.

The 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 “optical” zoom, though it’s really a digital crop.

Semantics aside, I do see a noticeable improvement in camera performance between the 15 Plus and
14 Plus
, 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’ll be sure to put the camera in more challenging lighting situations in the full review.

iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 14 Plus

I 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’t an option until the 14 Plus made its debut last year. Though I haven’t got a feel for the 15 Plus’ battery life yet, I’m certain it will be able to last quite a bit on a single charge.

Yes, the iPhone 15 Plus doesn’t have the Pro iPhones’ fancy new titanium build, Action button, 120Hz screen, or speedy A17 Pro chip. But that doesn’t mean the 15 Plus isn’t worth considering; based on my brief time with this iPhone, I’m just as impressed with it as I am with any device that sits at this price point.

Starting at RM4,899, the iPhone 15 Plus is not by any means an “affordable” phone. In my opinion, however, you are getting your money’s worth, though I will still reserve judgment until I’ve put the 15 Plus through its paces in the full review.


Apple Watch Series 9 Spotted in SIRIM – Available in Malaysia Soon?

The
Apple Watch Series 9
 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 “double tap” gesture.

In our usual search through SIRIM’s database, we noticed two new Apple Watch entries carrying the model numbers A2978 and A2980. A quick check on
Apple’s support page
 confirms that these two products are the Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS) in 41mm and 45mm sizes respectively.

For the Malaysian market, the Apple Watch Series 9
retains the same RM1,899 starting price
 as
its predecessor
. 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.

Beyond that, there’s 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 – the same material used for Apple’s new iPhone cases – that are said to have a suede-like feel.

Now 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
starts at RM1,899
 on our shores.


AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) With USB-C Charging Case & IP54 Rating Also Certified by SIRIM

Besides the
Apple Watch Series 9
, the
2nd generation AirPods Pro
 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.

The new AirPods Pro was registered with SIRIM just today on 3 October. Carrying the model numbers A3048 and A3047, these are
confirmed to be
 the individual earbuds of the new AirPods Pro. The
new USB-C charging case (A2968)
 has also been certified by SIRIM on 27 September last week.

Beyond the new USB-C charging case, the AirPods Pro has also been updated with an IP54 rating, an upgrade from the previous Lightning model’s IPX4 rating. Other specifications of the wireless earbuds remain the same, including the H2 chip for “up to double the noise-cancelling power” of the original AirPods Pro, along with a total of up to six hours of use with ANC activated.

Naturally, the 2nd generation AirPods Pro with the new USB-C charging case
retains the RM1,099 price tag in Malaysia
. Now that it has been certified by SIRIM, it should be available for purchase on our shores in the very near future.


Oppo Find N3 Flip With Hasselblad Triple Camera Confirmed for Malaysian Market

It 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.

This isn’t a surprise, given that the Find N3 Flip has already been registered with SIRIM on 15 August 2023; that’s almost two months ago. While it looks similar to last year’s
Find N2 Flip
, it does bring a few upgrades, including a more sophisticated triple camera configuration – still with the Hasselblad branding – and faster performance.

Compared to its predecessor, the Find N3 Flip’s new Hasselblad camera system is more sophisticated now. In addition to a 50MP main sensor and a 48MP ultra-wide shooter, there’s finally a telephoto lens now. To be specific, it is a 32MP telephoto camera that’s capable of 2x optical zoom or 20x digital zoom.

Powering the Find N3 Flip, on the other hand, is a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 chipset, which should be faster than the N2 Flip’s Dimensity 9000+ SoC. Beyond that, other hardware of the new flip phone is strikingly similar to last year’s model. Well, except for the addition of an alert slider on the left side of the phone.

Other 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 – still limited at 60Hz – a 32MP selfie camera, 12GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage, and a 4,300mAh battery with support for 44W fast charging.

No 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.


Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 Review – Super Lightweight Ambidextrous Gaming Mouse

Logitech 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 – just like its namesake – with a 60g shell, it also has new “Lightforce” hybrid switches that combine the performance of an optical sensor with the feel and response of a mechanical switch.

For the most part, I’m 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 – it’s almost the complete package.

What It Is

The G Pro X Superlight 2’s 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 – and satisfying click – of a traditional mechanical microswitch. While the Lightspeed switch does do what it claims here, there is more to it than meets the eye – I’ll get back to this further down the review.

Aside 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.

Here in Malaysia, the Superlight 2 retails at RM689. There’s no denying that this is a steep price tag, though you do get your money’s worth, in my opinion. Let me elaborate in the next section.

The Good Stuff

My 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’t even use a honeycomb design to shed some weight; very impressive.

Thanks 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.

Latency is not an issue either when I’m using the Superlight 2 in wireless mode, which comes as no surprise. After all, Logitech’s Lightspeed wireless technology offers 2,000Hz report rate, and for my skill level – which, if I’m being honest, is not that high – I don’t feel any difference using the mouse in wired or wireless mode.

Performance aside, I’m 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’s an improvement over its predecessor’s microUSB port.

It’s 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 – which can be used to keep the wireless receiver – can be swapped out for a PTFE cover too if you want an even smoother glide.

Last but not least is the Lightspeed optical-mechanical hybrid switch of the Superlight 2. Honestly, I’m quite taken aback by the clicking sensation of the switch: it feels very…substantial and “purposeful,” which is actually quite nice. However, when it comes to the sound profile of the Lightspeed switch, it is a completely different question altogether.

The Bad Stuff

As much as I like the clicking feel of the G Pro X Superlight 2’s Lightspeed hybrid switch, I don’t 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.

Out of the box, the Superlight 2 is also quite slippery. The matte plastic of the shell doesn’t 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.

Is It Worth It?

Priced at RM689, I do think the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 is worth the asking price. Yes, it’s a steep price tag, but that’s 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.

While I’m not thrilled by the sound profile of the Superlight 2’s Lightspeed hybrid switch, I
do
 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’t mind – or may even prefer – how the switch sounds.


Spy Shot: 2023 Proton X70 Facelift Spotted Again – Looks to Be Based on 2022 Geely Boyue

The
2023 Proton X70 facelift
 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.

These images of the camouflaged X70 were posted by
Eric Yong Gx
 and
Rahimi Jalaluddin
 on the
Proton X70 Owner Club Malaysia
 Facebook page. Aside from the design of the wheels, the taillights of the X70 test units look identical to the
current iteration of the SUV
 too, suggesting that the upcoming facelift is based on the 2022 Boyue instead of the Boyue Pro and Azkarra, unlike what
we’ve previously reported
.

It’s 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
Proton

X90
’s diamond-shaped studs.

Beyond 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.

The 2022 Geely Boyue

As 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
Proton S50
 sedan sometime in November next month. The
Proton X50
 is also said to be receiving a Running Change update, which may see some minor improvements to the popular B-segment SUV.


Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Official – Coming to Malaysia From RM2,999 With Exynos 2200

Surprise 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’ design language, though it does have a more modest list of hardware compared to the main S23 devices.

For 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.

Depending 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’s 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.

Other 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.

The 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 – they start at RM2,099 and RM399 respectively.


5 – 11 October Fuel Price: RON 97 Stays at RM3.47 Per Litre

Another 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.

To 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.

These 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.


Garmin Venu 3 Launched in Malaysia for RM2,220 – Sleep Coach, 14-Day Battery

While 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’s sleep quality.

Two sizes of the Venu 3 are offered for the Malaysian market. There’s 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.

The Garmin Venu 3

The Garmin Venu 3S

While most smartwatches can track your sleep, the Venu 3’s Sleep Coach feature looks to offer a more sophisticated tracking. Not only can it track naps, it can even recommend “optimal sleep and nap duration and timings for improved quality sleep,” as Garmin puts it.

Other specifications of the Venu 3 include up to 14 days of battery life – 10 days for the smaller Venu 3S, understandably – 30 different sports apps with animated workouts and coaching, a stainless steel bezel, and a 5 ATM water resistance rating.

The 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.


Google Pixel 8 & Pixel 8 Pro Unleashed – New Tensor G3 Chip, 7 Years Updates, Price Hike

After a plethora of leaks, the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are finally here. Sporting a new Google Tensor G3 chip – which unlocks a slew of AI-centric features – along with improved camera capabilities, the updated Android flagships will even get
seven years
 worth of OS and security updates.

Not 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.

Though Google did not elaborate much on the raw performance of the Tensor G3 chip, it does make the Pixel 8 smartphones…well, smarter. It now has better speech recognition – it can even translate webpages to a different language via text-to-speech – Magic Eraser can remove larger distractions, and the overall camera performance has also been improved.

Speaking 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.

Beyond 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 – with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate – and a 5,050mAh battery.

The 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’s almost certain parallel importers will offer the phone here in due time.


Smart #1 Brabus Previewed at IEMS 2023 – 0-100 in 3.9s, Q4 2023 Launch, RM250k Estimated Price

The 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’s also a much higher-powered model compared to the rest of the lineup.

To recap, three different variants of the Smart #1 will be offered in Malaysia. There’s 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.

The Smart #1 Premium

Both 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).

As for the more powerful Smart #1 Brabus pictured here, it comes with another electric motor at the front – making it all-wheel drive – 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.

The Brabus variant also has the same 66kWh battery as the Premium model, but given that it’s a higher-powered model, it has a lower range of up to 400km (WLTP).

According 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
Apple App Store
,
Google Play Store
, and
Huawei AppGallery
. A RM1,000 refundable fee is required to book the electric crossover.


Huawei Watch GT 4 in Malaysia From RM1,099 – Gold Huawei Watch Ultimate Design for RM13,999

Huawei’s latest flagship smartwatch, the
Huawei Watch GT 4
, has just been launched in Malaysia. Huawei is putting quite a bit of emphasis on the “fashion-forward” 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.

Here in Malaysia, the Watch GT 4 is offered in two variants. There’s the smaller, more elegant-looking (in our opinion) 41mm model from RM1,099 to RM1,699 – depending on the colourway – 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.

The Huawei Watch Ultimate Design

The 41mm (left) and 46mm Huawei Watch GT 4

Given its steep asking price, the Watch Ultimate Design does come with a number of luxurious features, including “six segments of 18K gold inlaid at the edge of the nanocrystal ceramic bezel.” 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.

The 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.

Malaysian 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.